SO GREAT is the level of uncertainty and anxiety among members about jobs and the economy that a GAA club in Galway city has organised a workshop for this weekend.
Professionals will advise on business and educational opportunities, career planning, finance and CV and interview preparation.
The aim of tomorrow’s workshop is to try to maximise the employment and educational opportunities available for members of the Fr Griffin’s Éire Óg club, to ensure that players will not be forced to emigrate.
The new careers and financial advice programme has been initiated by New Zealander Will Mallard, the club’s public relations officer and corner forward, following a model used by his home rugby club in the city of Wellington some years ago.
It was felt that such an initiative was needed after the club’s team managers sat down to set out their training programmes for 2009 and realised concerns over employment were common throughout the teams.
“The number of club members who have been laid off in the past couple of months has been dramatic,” Mr Mallard said. “It is no good having a fantastic training programme unless your players are gainfully employed.
“People within the club would have management expertise or their own businesses and we are trying to tap into the wealth of experience available within the club to make it clear to people that they are not alone.
“Sunday is a start, an attempt to help each other out.”